I'm a Mac noob using OSX. I've struggled from the outset to find a good downloader -- something that can reliably grab multiple files from a list on a cloud server. JDownloader was great on my PC but is Java-based, which I would rather not use on my Mac for security reasons. I have since tried SpeedDownload and Folx but neither are really reliable. DownThemAll (plugin for Firefox) works pretty well but can't handle certain links properly. In fact, the odd time it saves the HTML of the link instead of the file. I have no idea why. I found this can also happen with SpeedDownload and Folx. Very strange and annoying.

Although there are some opinions on other Mac apps on the web, I thought I would ask here in case someone has a suggestion they are willing to share. I'll throw this out to save someone the trouble...maybe I should stop being so paranoid, reinstall Java and just use JDownloader?

And thank you all for making this site and AudioZ such a great community -- simply amazing. *yes*

 

You are kinda being paranoid, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

I personally use JDownloader on my Mac. The reason being that most java exploits are delivered via an infected website. So to protect computer against most java exploits, all you need to do is disable Java within your web browser(s). This will prevent any malicious java code from a site from executing. The only other possible way java code could execute is through you running .jar files or java based apps like JDownloader (which you shouldn't do unless you are sure of and trust the package).


My advice is reinstall Java, install JDownloader, and then disable Java in your browsers. I'm guessing you use Firefox, but I would suggest disabling it in Safari also just in case you decide to use it later or a program tries to open an infected webpage in Safari). If you are really worried about safe browsing, I also highly suggest getting NoScript. You can also download free antivirus from Sophos to if you are still worried about having java installed.

Happy downloading! :dancing:

 

As you are a Mac noob and just in case you follow pimpdrop's suggestions and don't know yet -
you can get Safari Extension "JavaScriptBlocker" and "AdBlock" (same as NoScript) here:

Extensions

It asks you to allow or block the scripts you want.

Btw we had an interesting topic about security matter some time ago. Look here:

http://audiosex.pro/index.php?/topic/5853-how-unique-is-your-computer/

I am on Mac since 8 years and use JDownloader. You will hardly find a better Downloader.
The only virusses i have seen in this time, were on my virtual windows machines.
That's why i don't let them connect to the internet.

 

I used JDownloader for a couple of years on OSX and if you can get past the clunky interface it's quite reliable, and mostly solid with reconnects, pre-entering archive passwords, etc. But I now rely heavily on ul.to, and you should know that the two don't get along very well, at least not in my experience. I eventually gave up and started using browser-only downloads, which give me much better throughput and multiple threads, both of which were severely restricted with ul.to through JD, even with my premium account. Alas.

 

I think you're being a little too paranoid. Simply get a good security suite (yes Macs need them too), disable Java in your browser or download a script blocker like pimpdrop and Alraun suggested. If you were on a PC or a dual boot configuration I would suggest Mipony because I think it's not Java based but it's also Win only. You're really just better off using jDownloader. All I'm going to say is that I am on Windows XP 32-bit which is a MUCH greater target for malware and I haven't had a virus in more than a decade. All you need is common sense, possibly a security suite and a script blocker. It's also a good idea to keep your Java Runtime Environment updated as that can mitigate security risks as well. You used to have to wait for Apple to get to releasing updates but then Oracle took over the process for them which greatly reduced the bottleneck in patch delivery time. Also remember to couple preventative measures with a solid backup strategy.

 

JDownloader for sure!

cheers

 

That's true. Sometimes it happens that within a bigger folder of links some do not work and you get a error message saying the file doesn't exist or the plugin is out of date.
But if you try to load them manually in your browser, they will work more often than not.
There's a whole thread in this matter at JDownloader's site. JD and UL give each other the blame for that.

But this is the only disadvantage, i've faced so far. Nevertheless i haven't seen a better downloader up to now.

 

Thanks to everyone for the responses -- this is exactly what I was after. I'm going to give JD a try and beef up my security as suggested. I have a premium account with UL though, so I may eventually just continue with browser downloads if JD proves flaky on that site. Worth a try though. Thanks again.